Tropical_Dispatch_Summer_2010

Marie selby botanical gardens

VoluMe 37nuMber 3

septeMber–deceMber 2010 Selbytropical dispatch

tropical conservatory: past, present, and

Future

annual Meeting and Members’ day

the art of Watering

diary of a not so Mad gardener

new!cooking corner

September, 1974 – Dr. Carlyle A. Luer

Tropical Conservatory

2 Marie selby botanical gardens

Visit Selby Gardensat www.selby.org

The old adage, “don’t miss the forest for the trees” suggests that you shouldn’t lose sight of the big picture

by focusing on the details. But at Selby Gardens the details – the trees and a multitude of other plants – is what the big picture is all about. Many know Selby Gardens as a lush, tropical oasis, but fewer are aware of the diversity of plants that make our Gardens great.

Selby Gardens is a rich collection acquired from all over the world, the diversity of which rivals or surpasses that of many gardens. This collection is the product of more than 35 years of scientific exploration and collection.

You need only step into our remarkable Conservatory to see the results of these efforts: hundreds of epiphytes including bromeliads, gesneriads, and orchids…rare and unusual shrubs and trees, giant ferns…a multitude of flowering herbs….the trees from which we derive chocolate and coffee, or a glimpse of one of the largest species of bromeliad at nearly eight feet tall. You will enjoy the newly created Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Society Orchid Alcove which provides a gorgeous display of our collection.To learn about these fascinating plants and the Conservatory’s history, read Mike McLaughlin’s article in this issue of the Tropical Dispatch.

Step outdoors, and more treasures await you. Our gardens are filled with the beautiful to the giant: from tree ferns to one of the largest banyan groves in our region to the state champion bunya bunya tree, Selby Gardens is dotted with records. For us, each plant is a record, and Laurie Birch’s article on page 7 sheds light on how we manage our collection of nearly 20,000 living plants and use data to understand, share and conserve that collection. Other articles will enlighten you on how to do your own plant record-keeping, water effectively, and more. In November, Gardens members have a chance to add to their collections at Members’ Day, where ten species of plants will be distributed (details are available on page 5).

I encourage you to visit our Gardens – your Gardens – to better see and experience this collection of some of the world’s most remarkable plants. While here, stop and take a look at the trees – and shrubs, herbs and epiphytes – to see what Selby Gardens is all about.

Cordially,

Thomas Buchter, CEOMarie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Tropical Dispatch is a publication of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Please send address changes to Cynthia Dwyer, Membership and Development Coordinator, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236. E-mail [email protected]. Telephone: (941) 366-5731, ext. 229.

Board of Trustees Thomas B. Luzier, Esquire – ChairNora Johnson – Vice ChairMichael Saunders – Immediate Past ChairPete Biegel – Treasurer Dr. Laurey Stryker – SecretaryBill GambleSteve HazeltineWilson JonesStephen WilberdingCarlyle Luer, M.D. – Trustee EmeritusSue Scully – Associates President (ex-officio)

Chief Executive Officer Thomas BuchterChief Development Officer Ann LoganChief Financial Officer Bill LewisEducation Marilynn ShelleyEvents and Facilities Dan JohnsonHorticulture Mike McLaughlinMarketing and CommunicationsTropical Dispatch Editor Debby SteeleMembership and Development Cynthia DwyerResearch and Conservation David Benzing, Ph.D. John Clark, Ph.D. Bruce HolstGrants and Volunteers Emily Lane Welcome Center / The Garden Shop Amy Sullivan

Mission Statement“To further the understanding and appreciation of plant life, with emphasis on epiphytes, and to provide enjoyment to all who visit the Gardens.”

Vision StatementMarie Selby Botanical Gardens is the leader in the study, conservation, and display of epiphytes and their canopy habitats. Our collection of epiphytes is the best in the world. Our visitors see beautiful horticultural displays and learn from our educational programs. They take away with them a better understanding and greater appreciation of the natural world and the challenges it faces.

Program SponsorsSelby Gardens programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenue.

Cover Photo: The Tropical Conservatory, the “crowned jewel” of Selby Gardens, our most treasured feature. See page 3 for a view of the Conservatories inception. Photo credit: Debby Steele

MaRiE SElBy BOTaniCal GaRDEnS

A Message from the Gardens CEO

3the tropical dispatch september – december 2010

Our success during this turbulent time is a testament to the exceptional staff, volunteers, board, and friends of the Gardens who are committed to Selby’s future possibilities. To everyone who believes that each day is another fresh chance to help our Gardens thrive, I salute and thank you for your positive influence and your sincere commitment to being a part of our progress. For me, it has been a joy to have helped play a small part in sustaining Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for future generations to treasure.

Tom Luzier is a board certified real estate attorney and partner with Dunlap & Moran, P.A.

continued on next page

Selby Gardens’ famed Tropical Conservatory:

past, present, and future

Mike McLaughlin, Director of Horticulture

At 35, Selby Gardens is world-renowned for its magnificent plant collections

and scientific discoveries, while annually more than 125,000 visitors experience the beauty and serenity of our unique bayfront landmark. Meanwhile, recent times have seen leadership departures, balance sheets tinged with red ink, and fractiousness among constituents whose passions run deep. Like the world around us, Selby has been an institution in transition. It has been my honor to lead our Board of Trustees during this period. I began my term with one overarching goal in mind: to help the Gardens become fiscally sustainable. The key to this objective was to achieve positive cash flow status. This would require balancing our budget by recognizing not only Selby’s economic realities, but those of the outside world, and would be keyed off a clear understanding

A Message from Thomas B. Luzier, Esq. Chair of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Board of Trustees

of our mission, vision, and values. It would also require leadership at every level, and we have all risen to the challenge. To help reach these targets, our board installed an accomplished Chief Executive Officer with public garden credentials, who in turn retained a Chief Development Officer with a proven history of fundraising success. We made substantive additions to our Board of Trustees. Together board and staff reviewed every aspect of Selby’s operations, and we adopted a 3-year strategic plan and a marketing and communications plan that are mission-oriented and achievable. Organizationally we met our budget and fundraising goals by increasing the awareness of our bottom line, the depth of constituent giving, and the understanding of our future needs and aspirations and how these inform and drive key initiatives.

tom luzier, esq.chair

As Selby Gardens proudly celebrates its 35th anniversary, thoughts naturally turn back to the time when we began, and we reminisce about our adventurous journey to the

present. And what exciting developments and delights might the future have in store? Throughout our history, the Tropical Conservatory has clearly been the “crown jewel” of Selby Gardens, our most treasured and photographed feature. Originally called the Display House, this commercial Lord & Burnham greenhouse was built to showcase a rapidly growing collection of tropical epiphytes that could not tolerate Sarasota winters outdoors. Its narrow 4,400 sq. ft. of display space was outfitted with pathways, large redwood trellises, a pond, and a weeping stone wall, made by Dr. Carlyle Luer and staff from volcanic feather rock, that runs the whole length of the house. One of the first conservatories in the world designed specifically to display epiphytes, it featured areas for temporary exhibits as well as permanent plantings. Conspicuous in the original planting were tall tree ferns and three calabash trees (Crescentia cujete) on which epiphytes were

september, 1974 – dr. carlyle a. luer inspects the newly built cliffs and waterfall.


planted. First debuted on December 6th, 1974, the Display House almost didn’t open on time. Delays in construction allowed Display House Manager Joe Halton only three days in which to plant the new greenhouse! The rest of the staff and numerous volunteers pitched in for the heroic planting effort. The new greenhouse opened on schedule, and the Selby Gardens Display House was born. Over the last 35 years, a succession of skilled horticulturists has created memorable displays and cultured rare specimens in the Tropical Conservatory. Epiphytes from more than 22,000 sq. ft. of living collection greenhouses are moved into the Conservatory when they come into bloom. This daily rotation of stunning plants provides our guests with an ever-changing, dynamic display. Here, thousands of visitors are first introduced to the concept of the epiphyte and the unique focus that distinguishes Selby Gardens from other botanical gardens. In this intimate setting they can closely observe orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, palms, and many other extraordinary tropical plants.

Greenhouse Manager Angel Lara has recently created the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society Orchid Alcove, which provides a special spot to display and interpret our magnificent orchid collection. He also has dedicated an area of the rock wall to display a portion of our gesneriad (African violet family) collection. The overall layout of the Conservatory has changed little in past decades, but Angel is now considering exciting improvements to enhance the

visitor experience, improve interpretive opportunities, and take advantage of the full 22’ height of the greenhouse, as time and funds allow. So what changes can we expect in the next 35 years? Without a crystal ball, this is impossible to predict, but I can tell you what I’m looking forward to. I see a much larger and more impressive, hurricane-proof conservatory for Selby Gardens, one better designed to appropriately display our world-renowned collection of tropical epiphytes and other living specimens. It could be composed of several modules, including an authentic tropical rainforest habitat with visitor access to epiphytes living in the tree canopy, a dry forest habitat, a tropical cloud forest habitat, and perhaps a seasonal display house as well. Just imagine what our creative staff could do with such a dramatic structure! I envision the experience as an immersion into the lush world of epiphytes and tropical forests, rich with interpretive lessons and a treat for all of the senses. Sound extravagant for a small botanical garden such as ours? Consider the scientific importance and public appeal of our fantastic living collection, and that our Tropical Conservatory has historically been our number-one draw. Now consider that we currently dedicate less than 1% of our campus to this crucial objective. Would it be unreasonable to expand that area to 10% in order to better fulfill our mission, display our expanding living collection, and thrill our guests with a botanical experience they will never forget? Remember that our future will be built as was our past: with vision, passion, and determination. I can’t wait to get started, can you?

Tropical Conservatorycontinued from previous page

tropical conservatory under construction in 1974.

today’s tropical conservatory is filled with lush, exotic plants.


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8:00 a.m. Mansion Gate - Check In – Please bring your membership card.

9:00 a.m. annual Meeting – 35th Anniversary Celebration Thomas Buchter, Chief Executive Officer – State of the Gardens

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Members Greenhouse Plant Sale under the Banyan Trees Ask horticultural experts your plant questions. Plants from Selby’s own greenhouses will be available for purchase.

Annual Meeting and Members’ DaySaturday, November 13, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Begin your holiday shopping early!A 20% discount offered to Members in The Garden Shop.

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Member plant distribution by the BanyansCome early and choose from 10 plants specially grown for Selby Gardens members.

Gardens Friend or Family – 2 PlantsContributing Members – 3 PlantsSustaining Members – 5 PlantsSponsor level and above – 10 PlantsQuantities of certain plants are limited.

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Volunteer OrientationGreat Room by the Bay

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Greenhouse Plant Sale opens to non-members.

PlEaSE nOTE: Distribution of plants will take place

only on november 13, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Rain checks, shipping, or holding of plants is not available.

Orchidaceae

Distribution Plants 2010Angel Lara, Greenhouse Manager

1002. Dendrobium loddigesiiPropagated from Selby Gardens’ own living specimen, this miniature Chinese Dendrobium is highly adaptable and has beautiful long-lasting fragrant pink flowers borne on leafless pseudobulbs in spring. Perfect for mounting on cork but can also be easily grown in slotted orchid pots or slatted baskets in a loose mix. Keep moist when plant is exhibiting active growth and drier during the cooler winter months when it is resting.

Jiminy Cricket

1003. Brassocattleya (BC) Jiminy CricketJiminy Cricket is a primary hybrid created in 1974 from two all-time favorites, Brassavola nodosa X Rhyncolaelia digbyana. This whimsical orchid is a fast-growing prolific bloomer. Exhibiting a large creamy lip and spider-like petals, it thrives when mounted on cork or driftwood in medium to high light and kept evenly moist. If grown in a pot allow medium to dry in-between watering.

Bromeliaceae

1001. Cattleya intermedia albaThis pure white form of a popular lavender South American species has sweetly-scented flowers and is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures (20°F-100°F). A “must have” for any orchid enthusiast, this classic Cattleya is preferably grown under medium to high light conditions and is suitable for orchid containers and slatted baskets or mounting on driftwood or cork.

1004. Pitcairnia nigraCollected in 1980 by Selby Gardens bromeliad taxonomist Harry Luther, this rare Ecuadorian clustering, epiphytic bromeliad was grown from seed by long-time Selby horticulturist Gail McDaniel.

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This unusual grassy bromeliad with petiolate leaves has an incredible inflorescence with red bracts and deep purple flowers with a slight yellow base that will stop you dead in your tracks. Best if grown in containers in a semi-shaded setting, keep moist and protected from cold temperatures.

Distribution Plantscontinued from previous page

1005. Billbergia Casa BlancaCasa Blanca is an exciting new introduction created by the famous bromeliad hybridizer Bob Spivey. Striking white spots contrast against dark leaves, especially when grown under strong light conditions. Growing to about 16 inches, this winter bloomer has white flowers surrounded by red bracts in a long inflorescence, an exciting addition to any Southwest Florida garden.

Rubiaceae

This coffee relative from the Tropical Americas was collected by Selby botanist Bruce Holst on a research expedition to Belize. It has prominent red terminal bracts surrounding small yellow flowers that are hummingbird pollinated. This eye-catching plant is best grown outdoors in medium to high light and kept evenly moist. A plant with this many attractive qualities and ease of care is sure to become the next new thing in our subtropical landscapes.

Polypodiaceae

1007. Lecanopteris sinuosa, ant fernPropagated from spores by dedicated Selby Gardens volunteer Karen Stewart, this diminutive fern from Southeast Asia has a large distribution range and, as such, can tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions. This unique fern has pronounced scaly, fleshy rhizomes carrying glossy green leaves adorned with large round spores. These exciting and special characteristics make this plant a fern collector’s dream. It’s best if grown warm and bright, good for containers or hanging basket culture.

Hyacinthaceae

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Plant in a shallow container in medium to high light or use it as a groundcover in your landscape.

Cactaceae1009. Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides, mistletoe cactusThis remarkably hardy epiphytic cactus from Rio de Janiero has beautiful white, glossy, almost transparent flowers which produce white or red-tinged fruit. Able to grow to specimen size in a very short time, this cactus flourishes in pots or baskets in medium to high light and is best if kept moist while in active growth and drier during the cooler winter months.

Bignoniaceae

1008. Ledebouria cooperiThis exotic, small bulbous perennial from the damp grasslands of Eastern Africa has beautiful purple striated leaves and produces pink to purple flowers on willowy spikes throughout the summer months.

1006. Psychotria poeppigiana, hot lipsSelby Gardens’ members’ plant distribution program is often a chance for new and exciting plants to be circulated among Southwest Florida gardeners in the know.

1010. Tecoma castaneifolia, chestnut trumpetbushThis medium sized (> 8 ft.) evergreen large shrub from Ecuador has very fragrant yellow tubular flowers borne on tight clusters. An attractive addition to any landscape, this shrub is extremely hardy and has two blooming cycles: spring and fall. It is best when grown in high light and pruned to shape after flowering.


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ircHDedicated to the display, research,

and conservation of tropical plants, especially epiphytes,

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens maintains a collection of nearly 20,000 living plants including bromeliads, orchids, gesneriads, aroids, ferns, palms, cycads, and Florida native plant species. Maintaining an accurate record of information on each plant and keeping track of where plants are located in a complex that includes the Tropical Conservatory, seven greenhouses, and 9.5 acres of gardens is an essential function of plant records management. All plant records are stored in a database for easy data entry, management, information retrieval, inventory, and reporting. Our database of plant records includes thousands of accessioned plants that have been wild-collected, donated, purchased, propagated, and/or preserved in the existing landscape. Accessioning is the addition of a plant to the permanent living plant collection. An accessioned plant is assigned a unique Selby Gardens’ accession number that will follow it throughout its life in the nursery, greenhouse, or the gardens. Accessioning involves the accurate recording of taxonomic, collection, cultural, and ecological information regarding the accessioned plant. Information that is important to researchers and users of the records include

Geographic Information Systems: Improving the way Botanical Gardens Manage Plant Records and Beyond…

Laurie Birch, Plant Records Keeper

the name of the plant, its origin, the collector, date of collection, the plant’s conservation status, and its location. Plant records are part of what differentiates a botanical garden from a display garden. Labeling the plants after identification and accessioning is crucial in keeping track of plants in the collection. Selby Gardens utilizes a bar-coding system for labeling accessioned plants to facilitate inventory and tracking of plants in the greenhouse collections. A new and important tool used in maintaining accurate plant location data at botanical gardens is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS incorporates data, software, and hardware for capturing, managing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. Thanks to a grant from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), Selby Gardens received the ArcGIS computer software required to digitally map the gardens living collections. Mapping any location on Earth is now possible by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite based navigation system. With the use of a GPS receiver, location data has been gathered for thousands of plants

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a map showing plant locations at selby gardens’ south point.

selby gardens volunteer gordon schoenfeld capturing location data using a gps receiver.

continued on next page


within the Gardens. The collected GPS data has been used to create detailed digital maps showing the exact location of each plant along with major landscape features such as buildings, turf areas, waterways, and pathways. A GIS map not only displays location data but also includes a table of information relevant to each plant or landscape feature. Additional information from the plant records database can also be linked to the GIS database with the accession number. These maps are especially useful in providing an overview of the plants in a particular area of the garden, as well as in tracking and maintaining the living collections and identifying a plant should an accession label become lost or damaged. The map database can easily be updated as Selby Gardens’ living collections continue to improve and grow. Botanical gardens across the globe are now using GIS within all departments for information management and key decision making. Education departments can utilize GIS to map interpretive tour routes highlighting specific plants such as plants in bloom, edible, medicinal, and/or endangered plants. Development departments can use GIS to map existing memorial trees, benches, fountains as well as potential sites for new donors. Facilities departments can map roadways, various infrastructures, utilities, and irrigation lines

laurie birch (left) helps 4-H members laura Knipper, torrie bachman, Kayla Knipper, and patrick gallagher perfect their plant identification skills.

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With all the potential capabilities of GIS, Selby Gardens will continue to utilize GIS to contribute to the overall successful management of the living collections, and beyond.

Laurie Birch, Selby Gardens’ Plant Records Keeper and Conservation Project Assistant, is working with a local 4-H group to teach them about plant identification in preparation for

Geographic Information Systemscontinued from previous page

to assist in maintaining and monitoring these important features. Science and research departments can utilize GIS to link herbarium images to mapped specimens, in addition to creating plant distribution maps for scientific papers and presentations.

4-H Members Learn Plant ID at Selby Gardens

an upcoming State Level Horticulture and Judging Event. The state level plant identification competition took place at Florida 4-H Congress the last week of July at the University of Florida.

Selby Gardens is honored to host the World Gesneriad Research Conference from October 13

to October 15, 2010. The conference will bring scientists and enthusiasts from around the world and will highlight keynote speaker Anton Weber, Professor Emeritus from the University of Vienna. Presentations will be on a variety of topics including taxonomy and systematics, pollination biology, biogeography, conservation, horticulture, and education.

More than 35 abstracts have been submitted by researchers and students from around the world. Students are currently being invited to submit proposals for the Hans Wiehler Student Travel Award, a special fund set aside to support travel costs for selected students to attend the conference. Immediately following the conference, a Gesneriad Show and Sale will be held on October 16 and 17, 2010. This exhibition is a great opportunity for researchers and enthusiasts as well as the Gardens’ visitors to see a wide variety of gesneriad species. The Gesneriad Show and Sale is free to visitors with paid admission to the Gardens.

World Gesneriad Conference

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Managing plant hydration is one of the most important aspects of successful gardening, but it

is also one of the least understood. Plants that are kept too dry or too wet will, at best, fail to thrive and perform and, at worst, be vulnerable to attack from pests and diseases. People often ask, “So how often should I water my plants?” having no idea how complex the answer truly is. But don’t be discouraged; while learning to water properly involves the consideration of a range of factors, it’s not difficult. If you understand nothing else about growing plants, mastering proper watering will get you half-way to earning your green thumb. Before you can determine how much to water your plants and when, you will need to familiarize yourself with some of the many aspects that will affect your decision. Species of plant. While some plants can flourish in a wide variety of conditions, most are adapted to a specific habitat and require a more narrow set of cultural requirements. This is why it is important to know the scientific names of the plants you’re growing so you can research the conditions where they grow in nature and try to mimic them in cultivation. Note that many species require varying amounts of water during different seasons or different life-stages, particularly if they experience a dormant phase. amount of leaves. A plant’s use of water is generally proportional to the amount of water it transpires, or releases through its leaves. Plants with large amounts of total leaf surface area will require more water. Soil quality. For terrestrial plants, soil is a moisture reservoir. Rich organic soils retain more water, porous sandy soils hold less. When you water your plants, note how quickly the water is absorbed by the soil: it is an indication of how much water the soil can hold. If drainage is slow, excessive water may lead to root rot. Media for epiphytic plants are designed for fast drainage and air circulation around the roots and will dry out quickly. atmospheric conditions. Amount of sunlight, wind, and humidity affect how quickly your plants will consume water. Think of it like clothes on a clothesline: if your clothes would dry out quickly, so will your plants.

The Art of Watering: Not As Easy As It LooksMike McLaughlin, Director of Horticulture

Container size and type. When the soil reservoir is limited by a container, the size and material of the pot will dictate how fast a plant will dry out. Plants in small clay pots will dry faster than those in larger plastic or glazed pots. Because these factors change over time, you can see why it is impossible to definitively answer a question of how often to water a plant. Checking plants for proper hydration should be done routinely, but plants should only be watered when they need it, not on a schedule.

of their particular water needs. When watering your plants, it is generally best to thoroughly saturate their roots and soil to ensure that water penetrates to reach all of the roots. Soil that may appear moist can actually be dry under the surface, so use your finger to confirm saturation. Less frequent, heavy watering promotes vigorous root systems. Watering early in the day allows time for your plants to dry off before nightfall, which reduces the risk of fungal infections. Most gardeners water by hand with a

To know when your plants need water, learn to recognize the early warning signs of dehydration. A wilted plant can certainly indicate drought (or root rot), but there are other indicators to look for, such as a light color to the soil, a root-ball pulled away from the side of a pot, or a potted plant that feels light when lifted. By far the most reliable hydration test is what I like to call the “rule of thumb,” which is to stick your finger in the soil up to your knuckle and feel for cool moisture. Most plants like to be moist but not soggy, and remember that some plants prefer to dry out between watering, such as epiphytic Cattleya orchids. Because epiphytic plants depend less on their substrate for moisture and instead store water internally, their signs of dehydration are more subtle. Research the species you’re growing to learn

garden hose, and they should always use a critical piece of equipment: a watering wand with a fine water-breaker on the end. This tool applies a large volume of water quickly and softly, preventing soil wash-outs and broken plant stems. Automated watering systems can provide adequate irrigation, but remember that they water on a schedule, not necessarily when plants need to be watered. Set your timer for a minimal watering interval, and touch up more thirsty plants with hand watering. Automated devices fail, so check plants irrigated by sprinklers as regularly as you check those you water by hand. With some research and practice you will be become a “rain god” to your plants, and will keep them thriving by providing them with the perfect amount of water.

Horticulturist dan Witten uses a watering wand to water a Hibiscus specimen.


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eYou may not know that Selby Gardens keeps a database of all of the plants (other than annual flowers) in

the gardens and greenhouses. An article by Laurie Birch, Plant Record Keeper at Selby, explains in detail how plant records are maintained in the Gardens. Our plant records are valuable to research scientists, although a horticulturist will make different use of the data. Information in the records can help the horticulturist determine what growing conditions are needed for successful cultivation of a plant. Notes can be helpful when there are failures as well as successes. They let us know what we have tried in the past so when we try it again (most of us don’t give up that easily), we know what conditions we may need to correct. Ask any serious gardener if they keep records, and the majority of them say “yes of course.” A garden is a living thing; it is constantly growing and changing. With all of the additions and subtractions gardeners make over the lifetime of a garden, it would be difficult to keep track of these changes and why they were made without the help of a garden journal. Here are some suggestions for the sort of information you may want to record:

• Botanical name. Many plants from different regions share the same or similar common names, even when they are not remotely related. When a sun-loving plant and a shade-loving plant share the same common name, it can cause confusion when researching the needs of the plant. This can lead to disappointment when the plant does not perform as advertised.

• Planting date. Time of year can make or break your plants’ chances for success. Unless you live in Florida, planting tomatoes in December may not be a good idea. The year it was planted will also be useful to refer back to in the future as your plants mature.

• Plant placement. Labels on pots or seed packets sometimes use vague terms like

Diary of a Not So Mad Gardeneror

Keeping a Garden JournalLisa Wade, Gardens Manager

full to partial sun. That may be okay in the middle of the United States (say zones 5-8), but here in Florida mid-day summer sun is brutal on all but the hardiest of sun loving plants. And unless you have an excellent memory, you might want to record the location in your yard where you planted a specimen.

• Water needs. Did it need more or less than the tag/seed pack specified?

• Plant performance. Was it everything the label or seed packet said it would be? What could be done differently, if anything?

A journal can be as simple as a log of daily or weekly garden activities or as

complex as a multi-page, highly-detailed spreadsheet. In today’s computer age, it is easy to set up garden logs. When you type “garden journal” into a web search engine, a host of websites pop up offering everything from information on how to set up a journal to journaling software. Keeping a garden journal involves a little extra effort on the part of the gardener, but the results (more successful plant keeping) are worth the time spent.

Keep a record of your garden.


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e A few months ago, Chief Development Officer Ann Logan had an experience every fundraiser dreams of: an unsolicited call from

someone who wanted to make a contribution to the Gardens. The donor in question: one of Florida’s largest and most influential orchid societies, The Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society, which not only mounts its own well-regarded orchid show each January but also recently co-sponsored the prestigious and highly successful 19th World Orchid Conference. After a flurry of phone calls and arrangements, Orchid Society board member Nora Dyke and her husband Joe drove over for lunch and to chat about the Society’s contribution and the possibility of naming a space at Selby Gardens in the Society’s honor. We are delighted to welcome the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society as a partner in educating visitors and the public about one of the world’s largest and most alluring plant families: Orchidaceae. A highly-visible new orchid alcove was designed by Angel Lara, Greenhouse Manager. It is located directly across from the Conservatory’s revolving door, and it highlights the orchid family and its wonderful diversity with a continuously changing display that will bear the name of the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society. If you would like to join us as a partner or sponsor a naming opportunity at Selby Gardens, contact Ann Logan by calling (941) 366-5731, ext. 266 or email [email protected].

Selby Gardens Welcomes Fort Lauderdale Orchid Societyas a Partner and Sponsor

Margaret Snee became the first graduate of the prestigious certificate program

of the Academy of Botanical Art offered at Selby Gardens in June, 2010. Snee’s presentation included nine completed works of flora and fauna from the Kham District of Tibet. She earned an Award of Meritorious Achievement and an Award of Special Distinction and Honors for her beautiful work. Academy Founder Olivia Braida has graduated many other students from her program through the Ringling College of Art and Design, where it was first introduced. Now making its home at Selby Gardens, the Academy is a perfect fit for Selby’s mission. Braida looks forward to graduating many more students from this program. For more information on the Academy of Botanical Art or to register for a workshop, contact [email protected] or call (941) 366-5731, ext. 239.

The Academy of Botanical Art at Selby Gardens celebrates itsfirst certified Botanical Artist graduate!

the Fort lauderdale orchid society orchid alcove highlights selby’s diverse orchid collection.

Margaret snee earns certificate in botanical art


Steven and Leo Puhaly’s parents own Ecology Landscape and Yard Maintenance. The boys have plenty of gardening experience (and strong backs!) helpful in keeping the Gardens beautiful. Steve and Leo spent several weeks clearing undergrowth near the Administration Building, and their supervisor, Michael Stultz, was delighted at the results: “By devoting their four hours a week to this challenging effort, the ‘Brothers Puhaly’ are not only lightening my workload but generating a major aesthetic improvement at Selby Gardens that is long overdue. Oh, and they’re fun too!” Since its 2009 founding, Selby Gardens Explorers has provided more than 75 students with opportunities to earn points for scholarships and school programs while learning about the Gardens’ activities in horticulture, botanical research and conservation, and education. The program is supported by the Marie Selby Gardens Associates.

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Through monthly meetings, special programs and events, the Associates serve, support and grow the Gardens. Join us for

fun, learning and sociability, and giving. For information, call (941) 355-8071 or email: [email protected].

Upcoming associates luncheon Meetings and Special Events

Monday, October 18 – 11:30 a.m. – Great Room by the BayJon Thaxton, Sarasota County Commissioner, District 5

Jon Thaxton, a fourth-generation Osprey native, has long advocated for protection of our natural environment. He’ll talk about Sarasota’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP).

The Selby Gardens associates Presents“Wine, Dine, & Pine !”

Sponsored by Whole Foods MarketTuesday, november 30, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Great Room by the BayMarie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Great Room will be transformed by the twinkling lights of a diverse collection of one-of-a-kind, fully decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces to be sold by silent auction. Enjoy wine-tasting, gourmet cheeses, specialty appetizers, and music by the Scott Blum Trio, and take home a lasting treasure. Reservations in advance are $25 per person. Tickets go on sale October 15 in the Selby Gardens Welcome Center or online at www.selby.org. Call/email event coordinator Karen LaBonte 941-351-7980 or [email protected] for more information.

Monday, January 17, 2011, 11:30 a.m. – Great Room by the BayJack Perkins, WEDU

Jack Perkins is familiar to Sarasotans as the charming and inquisitive host of WEDU’s A Gulf Coast Journal, NBC correspondent, and host of ‘Biography’ on A&E.Today he enjoys life as poet and amateur photographer. His latest book is Island Prayers: Photographs and Poems of Praise.

Save the DateSunday, February 13, 3:00-5:00 p.m.–Great Room by the Bay

heaRTS & Flowers, a Valentine Tea

Monday, March 21, 11:30 a.m. – Great Room by the Bayalbert Joerger, President & Founder Conservation

Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Monday, april 18, 11:30 a.m. – Mattisons 41 RestaurantPots of Flavor luncheon, prepared by Chef Paul Mattison

Monday, May 15, 11:30 a. m. – Great Room by the Bayannual meeting, induction of officers and directors

The Selby Gardens Associates

Selby Gardens Explorers

Summer gardening in Sarasota is not for the faint of heart, but Selby Gardens’ horticulturists enjoyed a bumper crop of help

this summer. The Selby Gardens Explorers program brought more than two dozen student volunteers on board during the summer break, the majority laboring cheerfully in the heat and humidity of Selby’s gardens and greenhouses. Among the most dedicated was Anthea Rokop. A quiet young lady, Anthea comes alive around plants. “I really love learning things and getting more experience with plants,” says Anthea, who spent two mornings helping in the greenhouses, at least one afternoon working on the Explorers electronic newsletter, and the rest of her four days per week at the Gardens as a guide for the Tropical Fruit Garden. Her favorite volunteer activity: “All of it. It’s a lot of fun. I’m always learning more things with everything I’m doing.” Greenhouse Manager Angel Lara raved about Anthea and the other students who helped him care for the thousands of plants in Selby’ greenhouses.

anthea rokop, selby explorer

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Spend Your Days in Paradise

Garden Music Concert Series Expands into October

When you ask a Selby Gardens Volunteer why they contribute their time and energy to the Gardens, the #1 answer is

because being here makes them feel so…great! Selby Gardens Volunteers have special opportunities to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens, learn about the amazing plant life, and

meet fascinating people. Interested in joining the Selby Family? Come to a no-obligation Volunteer Orientation, visit the Selby Gardens website for information, or contact us at (941) 366-5731 x 227 or [email protected].

Thanks to the sponsorship support of The Woman’s Exchange, you may

now enjoy live music in the Gardens in October. We’re expanding our popular Garden Music Series with four fall concerts – October 10, 17, 24, and 31 – and participating in the first year of Festival Sartée, an exciting “fringe” festival that will highlight world-class arts events in Sarasota and Manatee Counties from October 8 through 24. Check our website for details. This concert series is also sponsored by SRQ Media Group, Comcast, WUSF, and paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development tax revenues.

crowds enjoy the garden Music concert series

Selby Lights in BloomA Tropical Holiday Celebration

December 17-23 and 26 and 276:00 – 9:00 p.m.

You won’t want to miss this festive, colorful celebration! Stroll through magical gardens decked with brilliant light displays.

Enjoy live holiday music, children’s activities, and a visit to Santa. Festive food and drink available for purchase. The Christie Payne Mansion will be decorated in holiday fashion thanks to the Florida West Coast American Society of Interior Design. Participants include: Will Brown, president ASID Florida West Coast, Joann Calleia, Travis Harless, Jeff Hart, Lynne Ross, Harriet Stephenson and Louise Stewart. For ticket information, visit www.selby.org or purchase tickets in the Selby Gardens Welcome Center beginning December 1, 2010.

Preparation for “Lights in Bloom” is already underway, and we need volunteers to help us prepare by repairing decorations and placing

them in the Gardens. Need more details? Please contact Emily Lane, [email protected] or 941.366.5731, extension 267.

Upcoming Volunteer Orientations:Monday, October, 11, 2010 – 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.Saturday, November 13, 2010 (Members Day) – 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.Thursday, January 14, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

“lights in Bloom”needs you!


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Edible Garden RecipesThere are so many delicious recipes that you can try from your very own edible garden. We are delighted to present you with our first offering of a great recipe. Bon Appetit!

Clafoutis or clafouti (pronounced kla-foo-TEE) is a rustic looking French country dessert from the Limousin region that has become very popular in North America. Traditionally it was made with the first sweet cherries of the season, and the cherries were left unpitted so their kernels could release their delicate almond flavor as they baked. A Clafoutis is a pudding of sorts, with sweet cherries or any seasonal fruit of your choice, covered by a thin pancake-like batter and baked in a hot oven until the batter has set with nicely browned and slightly puffed edges. The clafoutis should be served immediately with a dusting of confectioner’s (powdered or icing) sugar. This recipe can be found at www.joyofbaking.com along with many other scrumptious recipes. Bon Appetit!

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C amellia sinensis, the botanical name for tea, is one detail visitors learn about as

part of the tea experience available every day at the Carriage House Tea Room. Though our climate is not suitable for the tea bush to grow at Selby Gardens, there is a lot to learn about the world’s second most popular beverage (after water). Three samples are offered every day from over 40 loose leaf teas available from Local Coffee + Tea, and your questions are always welcome. Our ‘Sip Locally’ blog, www.siplocally.wordpress.com, is another resource for learning more about tea and other herbal infusions like Matricaria recutita (chamomile) or Hibiscus Sabdariffa (roselle).

Kosabei tea

Sip Locally

Selby House, the beloved historic home of Marie and William Selby, has served as the centerpiece of Marie

Selby Botanical Gardens since opening to the public in 1975. Several years ago, the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation provided generous funding to begin much-needed restoration of the 1921 home’s exterior and to repair termite damage. Now, the Selby Foundation has provided

Historic home of Marie and William selby

Selby Foundation Provides TLCfor Selby House

new funds to help ensure that the Selby House continues its important role as a place where some 125,000 Gardens visitors annually may relax in the Reading Room, dine or sip at Local Coffee + Tea’s café, and learn with their children in the Kids Corner. The $50,000 grant will be used to update the original cloth-insulated wiring, a very real fire hazard, and to update plumbing and HVAC systems in the Selby House. Our sincere

thanks to the Selby Foundation for their generous support for this important project. Selby Gardens is also seeking additional support to update the original Selby House kitchen for use by interns, visiting scientists, and others whose business brings them to the Gardens. The Gardens’ intern program has been largely on hold for several years due to the lack of full kitchen facilities for long-term visitors.

Cooking CornerMango Clafoutis

(pronounced kla-foo-tee)Submitted by Tom Buchter, CEO

4 large eggs

1/2 cup sugar

Pinch of salt

1/3 cup all purpose FLour

1 cup milk

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

3 large mangos, sliced

Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 325°F. Generously butter

9-inch-diameter, deep-dish glass pie

plate. Beat eggs, 1/2 cup sugar and salt

in medium bowl to blend. Whisk in flour

and Add milk, butter, vanilla and lemon

peel and whisk until smooth. Arrange

sliced mangos in bottom of prepared

plate. Pour custard over mangos.

Bake until clafoutis is set in center and

golden on top, about 55 minutes. Sprinkle

powdered sugar over and serve.


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The Marie Selby Gardens Associates capped an extremely successful year

with one of the largest contributions in their 30-year history: a $10,000 check to support Selby Gardens’ programs of research, education, and horticultural display. Under the vibrant leadership of President Sue Scully, the group had a banner year with successful programs such as their delightful Edible Petals luncheon and talks by “green” speakers including the designer of HGTV’s

2010 Green Home, the inventor of the EarthBox, and others. Scully, who took the helm as president in spring, 2009, has focused on ensuring that Associates’ activities are truly supportive of the place she refers to as “Our Favorite Garden.” The group contributed a grand total of more than $17,000 to the Gardens during the fiscal year ending in June, 2010, the Associates’ third-largest year of financial support for Selby Gardens in their history.

Selby Gardens Associates Wrap Up a Big Gift for the Gardens

Selby Gardens receives Mellon Grant

Have your name or that of a loved one permanently

engraved on a brick to be placed in the Butterfly Garden. Your brick can be engraved with family names, personal messages, or special dates to become a part of the Gardens forever. The Butterfly Garden is located in front of the historic Christie Payne Mansion. For more information, please call (941) 366-5731 or email [email protected].

Pay tributeto someone

you love!

Selby Gardens received its first-ever grant from the prestigious Andrew W. Mellon

Foundation as part of its Latin-American Plants initiative. The $32,500 grant will underwrite the cost of a computer, software, and a technician to digitize and database the Gardens’ valuable collection of type specimens of Central and South American plants.

NoN-Profit org.U.S. PoStage

PAIDPermit No. 509

maNaSota, florida

811 SOUTH PALM AVENUESARASOTA, FLORIDA 34236

WWW.SELBY.ORG

Extraordinary Space for an Extraordinary Event

• Social • Weddings • Bar and Bat Mitzvahs • Anniversary Parties • Reunions • Retreats • • Corporate Conferences • Customer Appreciation Events • Holiday Parties • Civic Events • Fundraisers •

We invite you to meet us in the Gardens and take a tour of the facilities that are available to rent. Book your holiday party now.

Rent a Room with a View

The PerfecT holIDAy gIfTStop by The Garden Shop to begin your holiday shopping!

Bloembox Bulb Kits

The stunning display on top of each box is the flower that will bloom from the premium bulb packed inside each kit. Complete with

growing pot and saucer, soil-less planting medium and instructions for dramatic indoor blooms. Bloemboxes are available in a

variety of themes including holiday amaryllis.

Members’ DaynOVEMBER 13, 2010

20% Discount for Members OnlyThe Garden Shop

your Garden Search is just an app away. Snap the code to view Selby Gardens’ website. If you don’t have an app on your mobile device, simply download a QR code reader application to your phone. Once downloaded, access the app and snap a picture of the bar code to be connected.

SNAP TO VIEW

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